Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: December 2010

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Season's Greetings!

"Let each put in his share: loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth."

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the Coming Year from The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market.

Have a Safe, Happy Holiday Season!

Quote from the film The Bishop's Wife, 1948

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Sweet 'n' Creamy Pumpkin Dip

Sweet 'n' Creamy Pumpkin Dip

from Sue's Kitchen (a great dip for molasses and sugar cookies!)

1 8 oz. package cream cheese
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 15 oz. can pumpkin
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. orange extract
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

In a food processor blend cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Remove lid and add pumpkin and remaining ingredients. Blend thoroughly. Chill 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Makes 2-1/2 cups.

Delicious!

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Week 26 Photo Tour

The final market Photo Tour of 2010 is now on flickr.

Click here to take the tour.

Pictured: Princesses and super heroes shop at Sweet Thing Gourmet.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe Spinach, Bacon and Apple Salad

Spinach, Bacon and Apple Salad

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

SALAD:
5 slices bacon
1/4 c sliced almonds
8 c spinach, rinsed, stemmed and torn into pieces
1 Red Delicious apple

DRESSING:
1/4 c. vegetable oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
salt and fresh black pepper to taste

Preparation: Place sliced apple, bacon and almonds in a bowl. Combine vinegar, sugar and mustard in a mixing bowl and whisk in oil. Toss dressing mixture with apple mixture. Serve over spinach.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 medium globe eggplant or 2-3 long Asian eggplants
1-2 tsp salt, to remove water from eggplant (not needed for Asian eggplant)
1-2 tbsp olive oil, to brush eggplant for grilling
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tbsp chopped mint

Spicy Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp finely minced fresh garlic
1 tsp your favorite ground chili pepper

Remove stem end and wash eggplant but do not peel. Cut eggplant into slices 1/2”-3/4” thick, being careful to make all slices the same thickness. (Cut Asian eggplant on the diagonal to get bigger slices.) Put eggplant in colander in single layer and sprinkle with salt. Let drain 20 minutes, then turn over and sprinkle other side with salt and let drain 20 minutes more. (If you're using Asian eggplant, they don't need to be salted.)

Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium-high. Remove eggplant from colander and put each piece between two papers towels and press with your hand to squeeze out water. Wipe eggplant dry and brush both sides with olive oil.

Place eggplant on grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side. Watch them carefully because they go from nicely browned to overly dark quite quickly.

When eggplant is done, remove from grill and place in large plastic bowl. Pour in spicy sauce, and gently stir eggplant to coat with sauce.

To serve, assemble eggplant on serving plate and sprinkle with mint and parsley. Serve warm or at room temperature.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Spiced Waldorf Salad

Spiced Waldorf Salad

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

SALAD:

2 c coarsely chopped apples, about 2 medium apples
1 1/4 c chopped celery
1/2 c coarsely chopped walnuts

DRESSING:
1/3 c mayonnaise
2 tsp sugar
dash allspice
1 tsp lemon juice

Preparation:
Place chopped apple, celery and walnuts in a bowl. Combine mayonnaise, sugar, allspice and lemon juice. Toss mayonnaise mixture with apple mixture. Serve over salad greens.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Root Vegetable Chili Soup

Root Vegetable Chili Soup

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

This market favorite is a special twist on a traditional chili, this soup is perfect for cool autumn nights. Use the suggested root vegetables or mix in some of your favorites to customize this hearty meal. Great with cornbread!

1/2 cup fresh corn
2 tbsp canola oil
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
4 tsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin seed
2 medium carrots cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 cups diced tomatoe
s1 small russet potato, finely diced
2 Anaheim, banana, or mild peppers, seeded and chopped
1 small red bell pepper, chopped1
jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced, optional
2 small rutabagas (or other root vegetable) peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
3 cups water or stock
chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

1) Heat large pot over medium heat. Add corn and sauté until beginning to brown.

2) Add oil, onion, and garlic, and sauté until onion is soft.

3) Add rutabagas, carrots, tomatoes, potato, Anaheim pepper, bell pepper, jalapeño, and stir in chili powder and cumin.

4) Add 3 cups water or stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5) Season with salt and black pepper. Serve with green onions or cilantro.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.
©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Simple Pumpkin Soup

Simple Pumpkin Soup

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1/2 cup onion
3 tbsp butter
2 cups mashed cooked pumpkin (a "young" pumpkin is best)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground pepper
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup half & half

1) Chop the onions and gently brown with butter in pan.

2) Put mashed pumpkin with onions in pan. Add the salt, sugar, nutmeg and pepper.

3) Slowly add chicken broth and half & half. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil.There are a couple of ways to make uncooked pumpkin into puree:

Baking:
Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy puip. Save the seeds to dry and roast. In a shallow baking dish, place the two halves face down and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 375° oven for about 1.5 hours for a medium-sized sugar pumpkin, or until tender. Once the baked pumpkin has cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree or mash. For silky smooth custards or soup, press the pumpkin puree through a sieve.

Boiling:
Cut the pumpkin in half and discard the stem section and stringy puip. Save the seeds to dry and roast. Peel the pumpkin and cut into chunks. Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the pumpkin chunks are tender. Let the chunks cool, and then puree the flesh in a food processor or mash it with a potato masher or food mill.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Potato Hash

Potato Hash

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

The potato was introduced to America in 1719 by the Irish, but had been cultivated in the Andes mountains for thousands of years before going to Europe in the 1500s. Over 4000 varieties of the potato exist. The Russets is America’s most beloved potato.

5 small red potatoes (about 1lb), cut into 1/2” cubes
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced garlic
1 medium red pepper, diced1 medium green pepper, diced
2 medium green onions, sliced thin
2 tsps plus 1 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp chili powder
parsley sprigs for garnish

1) In 2-quart saucepan over high heat, heat the potatoes in enough water to cover. Bring to a boil.

2) Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes until potatoes just tender. Strain and reserve potatoes.

3) Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet, cook garlic, green onions, red and green peppers until lightly browned.

4) Add potatoes. Continue cooking until potatoes are golden brown and tender, stirring mixture frequently. Season hash with sea salt and chili powder.

5) Arrange the potato hash on platter. Garnish with parsley sprigs.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

6 med tomatoes, diced
1 med onion diced
1/4 c fresh Cilantro chopped
2 to 4 fresh serrano or jalapeño peppers, seeded & minced
pinch fresh, roasted or powdered garlic powder
salt to taste

Put all ingredients in a bowl, mix well.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Grilled Peaches

Grilled Encore Peaches

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

In Ohio, fresh peaches are easy to find because they are in-season from July until September. For this recipe, be sure to choose a variety that is fresh from the branch.

4 ripe peaches, cored and cut into eighths
8 tbsp unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
8 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1) Heat grill to medium.

2) Cut four 12-inch squares of aluminum foil. Divide the peaches onto the foil squares. Divide the butter, sugar, and cinnamon over peaches; fold foil to seal edges.

3) Place the packets on the grill; cover. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the peaches are soft and the butter has melted. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve with your favorite honey granola. Mix a few tablespoons of Ohio maple syrup to fresh whipped cream and add on top.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Gazpacho

Gazpacho

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

2 large tomatoes
1 medium cucumber (peel if the skin is tough)
roughly chopped1 red or green pepper, seeded & chopped
1 medium onion
3-4 tbsp red wine vinegar
1-2 cloves garlic
5 tbsp water (vary the amount according to the consistency you prefer)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (preferably Spanish)

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Sieve the puree.

Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Some people add bread, which has been soaked and then squeezed. This gives the soup a thicker consistency.

For more recipes, check the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Butternut Squash Guacamole

Butternut Squash "Guacamole"

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 roasted butternut squash (see below)
1/2 c minced shallots or caramelized sweet onion
1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
salt & black pepper to taste
minced jalapeno or your favorite chile pepper (optional)

Mash roasted squash with fork.

Mix in all ingredients.

Serve with tortilla chips or use as a substitute any other way you enjoy traditional avocado guacamole.

Roasted Butternut Squash

from Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

1 butternut squash
olive oil or butter
brown sugar (optional)
salt

1) Preheat oven to 350°.

2) Cut squash lengthwise in half.

3) Lay halves on baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle olive oil over the open squash or add small dabs of butter all about. Sprinkle salt over surface. If desired, sprinkle brown sugar as well.

4) Roast until squash is soft. This can take 25 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the squash.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: Recipe - Beauregard Sweet Potato Pancakes

Beauregard Sweet Potato Pancakes with Homemade Applesauce

from the UWFM's Chef John Skaggs of Two Caterers

3 medium-sized raw sweet potatoes
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp cream
1 egg
1 tsp salt

Grate sweet potatoes and mix well with other ingredients. Cook by spoonfuls in 1/4" hot oil or butter. Turn only once. Serve with fresh homemade applesauce

Homemade Applesauce

1 quart apples, peeled and sliced
1 c water
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
cinnamon (optional)

Put all ingredients in a sauce pan and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until apples are tender. Mash the mixture until smooth. Refrigerate to cool.

For more recipes, check out the market wednesday recipe page.

©2010 Two Caterers. All Rights Reserved.

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the Season... Blue Jacket Dairy...and Meza

Yearning for your favorite artisan cheese?

Stop by Meza at 48 N. State in Uptown Westerville for select Blue Jacket Dairy cheese varieties. (Meza also carries a selection of best selling jams from market vendor Sweet Thing Gourmet.)

Blue Jacket Dairy is taking holiday orders for Christmas delivery through Wednesday, December 22nd, or make a trip to Bellefontaine and stop by Blue Jacket Dairy's store at 1434 County Road 11, Bellefontaine, OH 43311

Tuesday (12.21), Wednesday (12.22) & Thursday (12.23): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday (12.24): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Online: www.bluejacketdairy.com (sign up for the Blue Jacket Dairy eNews)

Call: 937.292.7327

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the season... Arjay Gourmet

Rohini Mulchandani's delicious chutneys are available year 'round!

Rohini tells us...

Check out my website at www.chutneylady.com or call 614.854.9576

Happy wintering!

Rohini

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market: After the Season... Carousel Watergardens Farm

Mark and Cathy Crist of Carousel Watergardens Farm are busy year-round!

Cathy tells us... Carousel Watergardens Farm is at the Bexley Natural market with our eggs & chicken, also Greener Grocer with produce & eggs. Our farm web site is http://www.cwffarm.com/.

We also offer winter vegetable, meat and egg CSA's as well as a Thanksgiving CSA.

Then our Columbus Winter Farmers Market is going to start our 2010-2011 season.

The market started in November and our market has moved to a new venue at a much nicer facility: the Clintonville Woman's Club at 3951 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214.

There will be lots of great farm products as well as value added farm products such as farm fresh eggs, chicken, turkey, beef, goats milk cheese & fudge, bison, Bavarian pretzels, honey and honey by products, soaps, veggie burgers, apples & cider, fresh baked pies, sweet breads, cookies, artisan breads, gluten free baked goods, jams & jellies, herb dips, rubs & seasonings and produce in season such as potatoes, cabbage, garlic, onions, limited peppers hot & cold, spinach, spring mix, sweet potatoes, broccoli and so much more.

The market still offers everyone's favorite the hospitality area plus local live entertainment, and this year lunches are available at the woman's club. It's a fun destination for all.

The Columbus Winter Farmers Market is the only market sponsored and put on by farmers for farmers to market direct to the consumer.

In 2011, we will have markets on Jan. 8 & 22, Feb. 12 & 26 and March 5 & 19, 2011.

For more info our web site is http://www.columbuswinterfarmersmarket.com/ or call 740.387.3580.

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What makes a farmers' market
such a special place, is that
you're actually creating
community around food.

- Chef Bryant Terry

Home-made. Home-grown. All Ohio.
The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market

Beginning in May, Pre-Order/Pre-Pay

Drive-Thru Pick-Up, Wednesdays

from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

in the parking lot behind

64 E. Walnut*

*Eventually, Market Wednesdsay

will open in a traditional

market format, Wednesdays,

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

at 17 E. Home Street (the

southeast corner of N. State and

E. Home Streets

in Uptown Westerville

Date To Be Announced

Check It When You Arrive

The market is a safe place.

There are times and places for everything and the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is not a place for commercial outreach, causes, campaigns, or candidates. No unapproved solicitation of market patrons or vendors permitted.

We want our market patrons to feel they can enter and leave the market unencumbered, be undistracted from their children, and just completely enjoy their trip to the market.

Please note that the market takes place on private property. Sidewalks are public spaces, and with that, we expect common courtesy, common sense, and a knowledge-of and respect-for applicable laws.

Discretion is the better part of valor and in the end will win you more friends.

Thank you for being so understanding.

Traffic and Safety

Click here for Westerville construction information.

Put It Down: Westerville has a no texting activity while driving law.

September is Distracted Driving Prevention Month in Ohio.

Stop Distracted Driving: Maria's Message.

The traffic light at N. State and E. Home operates during market hours, including the crosswalk signs.

There are bike racks in Rotary Park on the southeast corner of N. State and E. Home.

Market Space Parking Lot:

The market space is a parking lot, but on Wednesdays from May through October, it becomes a marketplace - a center of commerce - and it not a place for public parking.

The lot closes off in early Wednesday morning (if you need a time, go with 6:00 a.m.) until 6:30 p.m.

The market space is available for drop-off and pick-up for parents and caregivers for kids going to Our Day, a daycare center located at Messiah. So, you will see cars in that lot in the mornings and at lunchtime.

Please help the market by staying out of that lot on Wednesdays, May through October. (There is parking directly east of that space.)

Truly appreciated!

When it comes to parking:

Parking is free and readily available on-street, in adjacent lots directly to the east and south of the market, and in public spaces and lots throughout Uptown Westerville.

The farmers' market space is open only to vendor vehicles from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for market set-up, and then pedestrians from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is no patron parking directly north of the market lot - that's where the vendors pull in.

When you see an orange cone and a Do Not Enter or No Parking sign - don't go there!

Park in actual striped parking places - do not make your own space. Please do not block throughways or double-park behind vendor vehicles. Always prepared - we make sure there is access for emergency vehicles; should someone's life depend on it, we want to be ready. We guarantee you won't be stopping by for just a minute, so please do not double-park or park perpendicular to another vehicle.

There is no such thing as a sweet corn, honey, or peach emergency!

No kind action ever stops with itself. - Amelia Earhart

Take a beat. Be courteous. Be safe.

Everyone who touches the market, fuels its success, and we appreciate your help!

We wish we didn't have to mention this, but we do: Make sure your parked vehicles are locked; please secure any valuables out-of-sight.

When school is in session in Westerville, including Emerson School at N. Vine and E. Home in the Market Wednesday neighborhood, be aware of school zone speed limits, traffic light turn-right-on-red restrictions, and school bus, bike, and crosswalk activity.

Click here to visit Paving the Way for traffic alerts and updates throughout Central Ohio.

Click here to visit OhGo.

Be Safe.

Forms of Payment and Uptown ATMs

With the exception of Malabar Peach and Apple Orchard, Market Wednesday vendors accept major debit and credit cards, cash, and checks.

ATMs:

Middlefield Bank, 17 N. State, near W. Main, ATM at the drive-thru behind the bank

Union Savings Bank, 44 S. State, @ Winter St., across from City Hall

Westerville Public Library, 126 S. State St., Kemba ATM inside library entry way

Bope Sunoco, 150 S. State @ the corner of E. Walnut and S. State

Food Programs

Franklin County LifeCare Alliance Senior Farmers' Market coupons (fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey) are currently accepted at Bird's Haven Farms and Doran's Family Farm.

In 2018, select Market Wednesday vendors are participating in the Delaware County Senior Market Program (through SourcePoint). Participating Vendors: Hinton Apiaries and Bird's Haven Farms.

WIC Farmers' Market Program coupons are accepted (fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut herbs) at Doran's Family Farm and Bird's Haven Farms.

The market does not currently accept EBT or SNAP cards.

The WARM Fresh Green Program has been retired. (WARM can now accommodate fresh produce on-site, including an on-site garden.) To read more, scroll to About the UWFM below for details.

Market Wednesday FAQ's

So, I can't make it to the market between 3 and 6 - anyway you can stay open until 7?

We appreciate the question.

First, our farm-based vendors drive as long as 2 hours to arrive in Westerville on Wednesday afternoons (and have sometimes been in the fields since as early as 2 a.m.), that also means up to 2 hours to head home. And, they all have working farms and must return to their farms and complete the work they have to do to end the day as they prepare for the next. It really is fresh-baked, and often, food artisans need to go home to prepare their foods for the next market on the next day.

Additionally, some vendors - to make best use of the trip to Greater Columbus - have deliveries to make before and after Market Wednesday.

The market sets up in a space graciously provided by Church of the Messiah and we need to work within their schedule - they vacate the space on our behalf on Wednesdays and have lots of activities Wednesday evenings - and in classic Uptown Westerville fashion, one event winds down and cars begin arriving for the next activity as we finish up our load-out at the end of the day.

We have considered and tested extended hours - market management has twice (2006 and 2009) publicized and tested longer hours and market hours correspond to actual market activity and interest - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Can't get to the market until 5:30 or 6? Talk to your favorite vendor - most vendors are happy to save back fresh produce and artisan goods for 'on your way home from work' pick up.

Thank you for your interest in buying fresh and buying local. Central Ohio has the good fortune of an abundance of farmers' markets almost every day of the week, including weekends.

So, check out Ohio Proud's Farmers' Market Directory.

It's 2:54 p.m. and I want my peaches and sweet corn now! What's up with the no sales before 3 p.m???

The market is a place of business that opens at 3 p.m.

Our vendors know that market set up is from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors arrive from all points of the compass for market and need to set up shop - parking their vehicles, putting up their tents, setting up tables, and preparing their samples and merchandise for sale. (Were that we were all Samantha Stevens of Bewitched and we could wiggle our noses and voila! a vendor space is ready for business.)

There is no such thing as a peach, sweet corn, or pie emergency.

Opening sales are not up to the vendor. As a policy, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market management wants each vendor to start on a level playing field, which includes the opportunity for vendors to be able to safely access their market space (and not worry about pedestrian traffic). Market Wednesday doesn't open for business until each vendor is set up and ready to go. And, that's at 3 p.m. Not 2:59, 3 p.m.

Even though you may arrive before 3 p.m., feel free to walk about, bring something to read, talk with friends, or just sit and take a moment, but let the vendors continue their set up and prep - there really are no sales until 3 p.m.

In our world of 24/7 shopping, farmers' markets operate at a different pace - a slower one! So, manage your expectations - arrive after 3 p.m., or if you arrive ahead of time, take a moment for yourself - take a deep breath and enjoy the day.

When can I buy sweet corn?

All Market Wednesday produce is grown locally.

Life happens, nature happens, farming happens, so no good produce before its time. Availability of market produce moves with the seasons in Central Ohio.

Roughly, May into June we see asparagus, rhubarb, leaf lettuces, greens, swiss chard, kale, radishes, turnips, kohlrabi, green onions, strawberries, herbs, broccoli, garlic scapes, and garden plants.

(Short season - we may see strawberries, just two or three weeks, by the way.)

In June, peas, and snap peas, but just for a few weeks.

Then, in mid-July we see peaches, sweet corn, potatoes, summer squashes, and in late July and early August, we start seeing the rich colors of summer crops like beets, tomatoes, tomatilloes, eggplant, summer squashes, peas, garlic, beans, melons, cabbage, cucumbers, and peppers, moving onto late August, September, and October with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, along with apples, squashes, and pumpkins.

All product availability is subject to Ohio weather over time.

Eating locally-grown vegetables and fruits that are planted in Central Ohio soil to thrive and ripen in the warm, bright Ohio sun is a flavor-rich experience!

For an Ohio produce availability chart - click or tap here. (PDF)

Are prices negotiable?

In a word: No.

Just like the grocery store, prices are as marked.

A farmers' market as a rule is not a place to haggle over prices.

What about quality and standards?

The Ohio Department of Agriculture inspected the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market in 2010, 2012, and 2017. The market and its vendors passed all inspections.

In 2011, the market worked with Franklin County Public Health via an informal review, where vendors could ask questions and talk with the area FCPH inspector.

Produce, meat & poultry, egg, dairy, bakery, and cottage food vendors are held to a standard by federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. To participate in the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, vendors must agree to respect and meet those standards.

Meat & poultry, egg, and dairy are inspected by Franklin County Public Health. Produce, bakery, and cottage foods are inspected by the State of Ohio Department of Agriculture. The State of Ohio and Franklin County comply with all current federal laws and regulations.

Market Wednesday vendors will feature produce that can be conventionally-grown, chemical-free, certified organic, naturally-raised, or organic. Ask your vendor; they are happy to answer any questions you may have.

A farmer can only be certified organic to claim the term 'organic.' A certified organic farm must be certified by the USDA as organic, which means that the farm (including even beehives) goes through an inspection process by certified government officials to insure that an organic farm meets USDA standards (including organic farming methods and no impact on the environment such as contamination from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and other non-organic compounds).

New artisan vendors cannot do business at Market Wednesday until the Ohio Department of Agriculture has reviewed their labels.

The first day of each market season, Franklin County Weights and Measures visits the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market to certify vendor scales.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market must register annually with the State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture. The market voluntarily registers annually with the USDA. Additionally, this market must file for an annual conditional use permit with the City of Westerville, Planning and Development Division.

At this market, by our standards, produce must be fresh-picked, raised by the vendor selling it, and raised in Ohio. Plants and flowers must be raised in Ohio by the vendor as well. Animals raised to provide food must be raised by the vendor. Artisan foods and products must be made by the vendor.

Vendors selling frozen and refrigerated items must comply with state and county regulations. By Ohio law, meats and poultry must be processed by a state approved plant and sold frozen. Eggs and dairy products are sold refrigerated.

If we have questions, we ask, and you should, too. Get to know your favorite vendors. If you have questions about any product at the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market, please don't hesitate to ask the vendor.

For more information:

Franklin County Public Health

State of Ohio, Department of Agriculture

USDA, AMS, Farmers Markets

Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market Vendor Information

Westerville Heritage Depot

To celebrate our historic sense of community, the Westerville Legacy Depot facility pays homage to the old Westerville train depot and features restrooms, a water fountain (with dog waterer), open-air picnic dining, bike parking, a fireplace, an info kiosk, and bench seating. Located on the Bike/Hike trail near E. Park Street and Summit Street in Hanby Park, the depot also features hallmark panel images of Westerville's history and info for a walking tour of Westerville landmarks. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market proudly contributed to this community project by purchasing a brick for the station. For more information, click on the depot image.

About the UWFM

Food is our common ground, our universal experience. - James Beard

Located in Central Ohio, just minutes from Columbus, the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market is located in historic Uptown Westerville. The Uptown Westerville neighborhood is the home of city government, commerce, and community. Uptown Westerville features an eclectic mix of residences and buildings dating back to the 1800s, tree-lined brick streets, parks, Otterbein University, Westerville Public Library, activities, traditions, and culture. A marketplace destination, Uptown Westerville is a great place for people to live, work, shop, meet, eat, and play.

Home-grown. Home-made. All Ohio. The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market has been open for business at N. State and E. Home since 2006 with 5 market vendors.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market management team is entirely volunteer and market vendor fees are all invested back into the market focusing on market logistics, community outreach, and market promotion.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers Market supports W.A.R.M. ~ the Westerville Area Resource Ministry.

For several years, WARM and Market Wednesday teamed up so farm fresh, healthy foods could be available to everyone in the Westerville City School District, no matter the need, creating the WARM Fresh Green Program.

Now, thanks to the generosity of the community, WARM has commercial-grade refrigeration, so plentiful supplies of fresh produce and foods are available to clients at WARM and the Fresh Green Program can be retired.

It's not always necessary to be strong, but to feel strong. - Jon Krakauer

No one makes reaching out to a help organization a life goal. And, Westerville Area Resource Ministry is an outreach and empowerment resource that steps up to the plate every day to help people in a respectful and dignified way to help themselves. As they say, "WARM is a hand up, not a hand out."

To learn more about WARM's programs and services, click here.

If you would like to contribute to WARM, thank you ~ make checks payable to WARM, 150 Heatherdown Drive, Westerville, Ohio, 43081 or visit the WARM website to donate via bank card. Contributions to WARM are tax deductible.

The Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market (Market Wednesday) is not affiliated with any other markets or events.

© 2008 - 2020 Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. All rights reserved. Images used with permission.

About Our Logo

We chose a ginkgo leaf to represent the Uptown Westerville Farmers' Market. The City of Westerville planted ginkgo trees along State Street in Uptown Westerville and as they grow and mature they will become a distinctive presence along State St. Ginkgo trees are among the oldest trees on the planet (millions of years) and have survived untold earthly disasters. The ginkgo represents simplicity, endurance, prosperity, hope, resilience, peace, and longevity, and not only does it represent Uptown Westerville, it represents the farmers' market. The ginkgo leaf color reflects the color of the ginkgo leaf in our 3 market seasons: spring (pale green), summer (rich green), and fall (golden yellow).